• The DoT has mandated all satcom operators to transition to India's indigenous navigation system, NavIC, by 2029.
  • Operators must provide real-time tracking data for user terminals and report land mobility terminal locations every 2.6 km or one minute.

In a significant regulatory shift, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has released updated Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite (GMPCS) guidelines. These require satellite communication (satcom) operators to comply with 29 new security mandates to obtain and retain licences in India.

The new mandates directly impact players such as Starlink, Amazon Kuiper, Bharti-backed Eutelsat OneWeb, and Reliance’s Jio-SES. Under the revised regime, operators must implement website blocking provisions, facilitate metadata collection, and ensure lawful interception capabilities. They are also required to authenticate user terminals and register foreign or unregistered devices before allowing access.

Furthermore, operators must now provide real-time tracking of user terminals, both fixed and mobile, within Indian territory.

“The service providers shall provide real-time location data/tracking of user terminals (Fixed and Mobile) anywhere within Indian Territory as and when required by Designated LEAs (law enforcement agencies)/security agencies,” read the guidelines.

Land mobility terminals must report their location every 2.6 km moved or every one minute, whichever occurs first. Additionally, all operators must transition to India’s indigenous satellite navigation system, NavIC, by 2029.

Localisation and Surveillance Restrictions

The DoT has mandated that 20% of the satellite network’s ground segment must be localised within five years of starting operations. Operators must also avoid location spoofing, prevent unauthorised terminal relocation, and deny access to users attempting to connect through foreign gateways.

Operators must gain prior approval for any architectural changes to their network, including modifications to satellites or orbits. Surveillance by satellite constellations is strictly prohibited, and separate security clearances will be required for different services and terminal types.

These directives come as India awaits TRAI’s final policy on satellite spectrum pricing. With Starlink close to receiving approval and global giants like Amazon and Globalstar entering the fray, the Indian spacetech race is intensifying.

Edited by Harshajit Sarmah